Individuals on recreational vessels under 16 feet in length are required to wear a USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD) while underway. Additionally, all children under the age of 13 must wear a PFD at all times when on board a vessel unless they are in an enclosed cabin. Certain states may have additional requirements regarding PFD use, so it's important to be aware of local regulations as well.
Must be in good, serviceable condition
Children must wear personal flotation devices at age 12 and younger.
Any vessel 16 feet or longer must have a Type I, II, or III Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board, as well as a Type IV throwable flotation device. These PFDs must be Coast Guard-approved and in good condition. It's essential to ensure that all devices are readily accessible for use in case of an emergency.
Type IV
Type IV
Any vessel 16 feet or longer must carry a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board. These PFDs must be readily accessible and in good condition. Additionally, vessels must have at least one Type IV throwable flotation device on board.
A PFD is a personal flotation device. It is important that it fits correctly and it must be approved for your weight range.
Any vessel 16 feet or longer must have at least one Type I, II, or III personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board, in addition to a Type IV throwable device. These PFDs should be Coast Guard-approved and readily accessible. It's important to ensure that the flotation devices are in good condition and properly sized for each user.
A personal flotation device (PFD) should be replaced if it is damaged, has lost its buoyancy, or shows signs of wear and tear, such as frayed straps or cracks. Additionally, if the PFD is past its manufacturer’s expiration date, it is advisable to replace it, as materials can degrade over time. Regular inspections are important to ensure safety while using the device.
A life jacket In the US, that would be a US Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD).
In addition to the wearable personal flotation device (PFD) requirement for all vessels, any vessel 16 feet or longer must also have a throwable PFD on board. This throwable device, often referred to as a buoyant cushion or a ring buoy, is designed to be thrown to a person in the water, providing an additional means of flotation. It's important for safety regulations to ensure that all passengers can be assisted in an emergency.
In Virginia, the approved personal flotation device (PFD) for ski participants and personal watercraft operators is a Type III PFD, which is designed for general boating and water sports. It must be Coast Guard approved and properly fitted to the wearer. Additionally, all individuals being towed behind a boat must wear a PFD at all times while skiing or using personal watercraft.